Inter Milan have sealed a £30 million transfer for England full‑back Djed Spence, moving him on from Tottenham Hotspur. According to Sky Sports News, the agreement also incorporates a 10 percent sell‑on clause, ensuring that Tottenham will receive a share of any future transfer fee if Inter decide to sell the player later on.
The deal was finalized after Spence was granted permission to travel to Italy on Friday for a medical examination, while negotiations between the two clubs were still ongoing. Once the medical was passed, the clubs agreed on a total package worth £30 million, bringing the transfer to a close. Spence, who shone for England during their impressive third‑place finish at the summer World Cup, was facing a crowded defensive roster at Tottenham and was likely to see his playing time diminish in the upcoming season.
At right‑back, Pedro Porro has been the preferred option, while the left‑back positions are contested by Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Sou‑Sou Sou, and Ben Davies, all of whom can also operate on the left flank. With such depth, Spence’s prospects for regular first‑team action appeared limited. Inter have been on the hunt for a fresh right‑wing‑back to bolster their squad after their attempts to secure Al‑Ittihad’s Moussa Diaby fell through.
Spence emerged as a viable target, offering pace, defensive solidity, and the ability to contribute to attacks down the flank. His recent six‑month loan spell at Genoa, which began in January 2024, gave him valuable experience in Serie A and likely helped to convince the Nerazzurri that he could adapt quickly to Italian football. Spence entered the transfer with three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, plus an optional extra year.
However, after enjoying a productive loan stint in Italy, he expressed a clear desire to make a permanent move to the Serie A side. Tottenham had originally signed the defender from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for an initial fee that could rise to £20 million, and his market value has risen significantly since then, especially after his performances on the international stage. Upon confirming the transfer, Spence took to the social media platform X to bid farewell to the London club.
In his post, he reflected on his time at Spurs, writing: "A special chapter comes to an end. It's been some journey, with plenty of memories, moments and experiences that I'll carry with me forever, especially that night in Bilbao. Thanks to all the staff members who've helped me along the way, the players who've become family and most importantly thank you to the fans.
It's time for a new chapter, but Spurs will always have a place in my heart. COYS!!" His heartfelt message highlighted the emotional bond he formed with the club and its supporters, while also signaling his excitement for the next stage of his career.
Sky Sports News commentator Mark McAdam weighed in on the transfer, noting that Spurs fans have witnessed flashes of Spence’s brilliance, particularly during the World Cup. McAdam added, "They may also think it is frustrating. They paid £12.5 million for him from Middlesbrough in 2022, a deal that Daniel Levy did.
They are getting more than two times what they paid for him. But they will also say it doesn't feel like a lot of money for a player who could be so important. Spurs have been preparing for this, though, and already have potential replacements in mind." This perspective underscores both the financial upside for Tottenham and the strategic planning that preceded the sale. In summary, the £30 million deal represents a significant step for Djed Spence, offering him the chance to establish himself as a regular starter in a top European league.
For Inter Milan, the signing adds a dynamic, English‑capped defender to a squad eager to compete on multiple fronts. Meanwhile, Tottenham benefit from a substantial profit on a player they acquired only a few years earlier, while also freeing up space for emerging talents to step into the defensive line‑up. The transfer illustrates how performance on the international stage, combined with strategic loan experiences, can accelerate a player's career trajectory and reshape the plans of both selling and buying clubs.